Although he’s played in training camp exhibition games, when Graves plays in Vegas – he is listed on the game roster – this will be his first official NHL game since being drafted to the NHL during the 4th round of the 2013 NHL entry draft. Graves' parents and his girlfriend have made to trip to watch the game in person.

Graves was first drafted by the New York Rangers while he was still playing major junior. He went deep in those training camps but played for the Rangers' AHL affiliate during his years with the franchise.

This past year the Colorado Avalanche picked up the defenceman in a trade from the Rangers. At the time of the trade, Graves told the Tri-County Vanguard he was looking forward to a fresh start with a new organization.

“A fresh start is always a good thing and I hope to be able to earn a spot on the Avalanche roster,” he had said at the time.

Graves has spent the past few seasons playing in the AHL with the affiliate teams of the Rangers and Avalanche. The 23-year-old was named to the AHL all-star team during the 2015-16 season when he had earned 21 points in 74 games during his rookie season with the Wolf Pack.

A Dec. 27 media release issued by the Colorado Eagles affiliate team reads: "The Colorado Eagles, proud AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, have announced that defenseman Ryan Graves has been recalled by the team's NHL affiliate. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound blueliner has amassed 76 points in 254 AHL contests, including two goals and six assists in 26 games with the Eagles this season."

Before playing in the pro-hockey fray, Graves had 86 points in 245 QMJHL games with the Prince Edward Isladn Rocket, Charlottetown Islanders, Val-d'Or Foreurs and Quebec Remparts. He grew up playing minor hockey in Yarmouth and played major midget with the South Shore Mustangs.

On social media Graves has been getting a lot of shoutouts on being recalled.

Congratulations are in order for Yarmouth, Nova Scotia’s Ryan Graves
on getting the call up to the Colorado Avalanche.
Everyone at the Maritime NHLer’s For Kids wish Ryan all the best in his NHL debut.... https://t.co/xwwhwEhn6K